Milt Jackson led two lives as a featured soloist, in both the Modern Jazz Quartet and the more informal units that worked under his own name in clubs and recording studios. The latter settings invariably placed greater emphasis on the vibraphonist's genius for uninhibited swinging, and this collection is no exception. It features Jackson's longtime friend (and original MJQ bassist) Ray Brown; his favorite drummer, Mickey Roker; and, in the keyboard chair, Gene Harris. In matters of soul, Harris is close to an ideal match for the ever-funky Jackson, and his contributions on keyboards are ideal for this infectious program of ballads and blues. The glow created when Harris reinforces the leader's vibes with electric piano offers a prime example of how to switch on with taste.

with Ray Brown, Gene Harris, Mickey Roker